Japan | Updates to permanent residency requirements and Specified Skilled Worker Visa residency limit open for public comment

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency published draft guidelines introducing stricter requirements for permanent residency. Additionally, the agency published a draft ordinance extending the period of stay for foreign workers with Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker status to five years. Both draft policies are open for public comment.

Key takeaways:

New permanent residency requirements introduce income and national interest criteria

According to the agency’s draft guidelines, applicants must meet new requirements to be considered for permanent residency:

• Have annual income that exceeds the average Japanese household income
• Demonstrate expected pension benefits equivalent to pension levels after 30 years of contributions to Japan’s employee pension system at the applicant’s annual income level
• Actively contribute to Japan’s national interest, including:
• Being proficient in Japanese language
• Understanding Japan’s laws and social systems
• Having overall good public conduct and not being a public burden

The public comment period is open through Sept. 4, 2026, with the new guidelines expected to be implemented by Oct. 1, 2026. Income requirements and public burden assessments are expected to apply retroactively to applications filed as of April 2026. Other criteria are expected to apply to applications starting April 2027.

Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker period of stay extended to five years

According to the agency’s draft ordinance, Type 2 foreign workers with Specified Skilled Worker status may receive a five-year period of stay, effective January 2027. Current residency limits for Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker status are six months, one year, two years and three years, depending on employment factors.

The agency is expected to finalize requirements for the new program soon. The public comment period is open through Sept. 4, 2026.

New immigration application fees

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency recently announced new immigration application fees. Following a public comment period, new fee structures will be effective Oct. 1, 2026. Applications filed on or before Sept. 30, 2026, will be subject to current fees.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.